Getting Started

Getting Started

"In my opinion, the Undergraduate Research & Creativity program is one of the most valuable resources available to UWL students. This opportunity provided me with the motivation, not to mention the funds, to travel to Bolivia to complete my research and get a jump start on writing my senior thesis. I was also able to present my research to peers, professors, state senators, congressmen/women, and even to Wisconsin's Governor due to the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creativity's sponsorship of events like Posters in the Rotunda and Celebration of Student Research & Creativity."

- Matt Sitek, UWL Undergraduate Research participant.

Getting Started

Working on a research or creative project with a faculty member is an opportunity for you to go beyond learning about a discipline and become actively involved in creating knowledge and new meaning within the discipline. You will learn things you might not learn in a classroom.

1. When to start?

You can start as early as you like, many students begin as a Freshman, which allows them to determine if they like doing work in their major. Starting in your Sophomore or Junior year allows you to write for summer research grants and to include this in your grad school or job applications.

2. Identify your area of interest

Research is a hands-on way to explore different interests within your field. You may develop an idea of your interests based on class activities such as reading, researching for class assignments, or discussing topics in class. Look and listen for announcements from faculty members seeking student researchers on bulletin boards, in classes, or at seminars.